Matrix multiple valve system

ABSTRACT

The system opens and closes an n×m array of liquid pathways using n+m valves. The pathways ( 2 ) run from top to bottom of a body ( 1 ). Control bars ( 4 ), also with liquid pathways ( 2 ), are inserted in channels ( 3 ). These are movable by a power source. The liquid pathways are opened to pass liquid when the pathways in the body and the control bars are aligned with each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a matrix multiple valve system, morespecifically, a matrix multiple valve system comprising a small numberof operating valves which are positioned in an orthogonal manner, tocontrol a large number of liquid pathways.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Recently, biotechnology has been regarded as a high value-addedindustry, accompanying the rapid development of genetic engineering. Inline with the development, there is an increasing demand for automatedapparatus which can be applied for the synthesis of desired oligomerssuch as oligonucleotides and oligopeptides. However, the conventionalapparatus essentially requires tens to thousands of liquid pathways tosynthesize tens to hundreds of oligomers and the same number ofauxiliaries to control the said liquid pathways.

For example, to control each of (n×m) liquid pathways in the oligomersynthesis, the conventional synthesizers would require the same numberof valves which are electronically operated, which, in turn, makes theapparatus become larger. Naturally, the conventional apparatus is provento be less satisfactory in the sense that it is susceptible to errors inthe intricate control of the liquid pathways and is too expensive to usein the various fields of biotechnology.

Under the circumstances, needs have continued to exist for thedevelopment of a matrix multiple valve system which can control tens tothousands of liquid pathways in a simple and precise manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a novel matrix multiple valvesystem which can control (n×m) array(n and m along X- and Y-axes,respectively) of liquid pathways using only (n+m) of operating valves isprovided, which is fabricated based on the following principles:

First, along X- and Y-axes of a body, (n×m) array of liquid pathwaysrunning vertically from the top to the bottom of the body are provided,and (n+m) of control bars are inserted into channels such as holes forcontrol bars or rooms between multi-assembled bodies, each of which areperpendicular to the liquid pathways, whereby the opening and theclosing of the liquid pathways can be practiced by moving the controlbars back and forth in a linear fashion through the channels.

Second, on the upper and the lower halves of various matrix-type bodies,(n×m) array of liquid pathways and (n+m) of air-channels which areconnected to grooves linking two liquid pathways each other, whose oneend is connected to an operating valves, are provided in a symmetricalmanner, whereby the opening and closing of the liquid pathways can bepracticed by controlling the operating valves modulating an air-pressureprovided by the air channels.

A primary object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a matrixmultiple valve system which can control a large number of liquidpathways using a small number of operating valves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above object and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions given in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of (10×10) orthogonal matrix multiple valvesystem, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an X-axis sectional view of the (10×10) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system in a closed state.

FIG. 2B is a Y-axis sectional view of the (10×10) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system in a closed state.

FIG. 2C is an X-axis sectional view of the (10×10) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system in an open state.

FIG. 2D is an Y-axis sectional view of the (10×10) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system in an open state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of (16×16) orthogonal matrix multiple valvesystem in a multi-assembled structure, which is the other embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of (4×4) orthogonal matrix multiple valvesystem, which is another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is an A—A axis sectional view of the (4×4) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a B—B axis sectional view of the (4×4) orthogonal matrixmultiple valve system of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the matrix multiple valve system of the presentinvention, opening and closing of (n×m) array(n and m along X- andY-axes, respectively) of liquid pathways can be controlled through (n+m)of operating valves along the X- and Y-axes, which comprises:

a body in which (n×m) array of liquid pathways are positioned to runthrough the top and the bottom of the body;

means for controlling liquid pathways of the body;

channels in which the means for controlling liquid pathways of the bodyis positioned; and,

a power source which is connected to the means for controlling liquidpathways of the body, whereby the liquid pathways are opened to passliquid therethrough, in case the liquid pathways on the body and thechannels are aligned with each other to reach ‘AND’ state logically.

In the matrix multiple valve system, the means for controlling liquidpathways of the body may be: (n+m) of control bars in which (n+m) ofliquid pathways are positioned with the same interval and diameter asthe corresponding liquid pathways of the body, being inserted into thechannels of the sides along X- and Y-axes of the body; (n+m) of controlbars in which (n+m) of liquid pathways positioned with the same intervaland diameter as the corresponding liquid pathways of the bodies, beinginserted into rooms between the bodies in a linked form; and, (n+m) ofair-channels which are connected to grooves through pipe and provide anelastic thin-membrane with air-pressure to open and close the liquidpathways of the body. And, the power source includes air pressure,liquid pressure, electromagnetic force, etc.

As a preferred embodiment of the invention, a matrix multiple valvesystem is provided, which comprises: a body in which (n×m) array ofliquid pathways are positioned to run through the top and the bottom ofthe body; (n+m) of control bars in which (n+m) of liquid pathways arepositioned with the same interval and diameter as the correspondingliquid pathways of the body, being inserted into the channels on thesides of X- and Y-axes of the body; and, a power source which isconnected to one end of each of the control bars. In the matrix multiplevalve system, the channels may be holes for control bars which areprovided on the side of the X- andY-axes, and the control bars havevarious shapes including circular, triangular, rectangular, etc.

As the other preferred embodiment of the invention, a matrix multiplevalve system is provided with variations in the channels into which thecontrol bars are inserted, which comprises: bodies, each of which isassembled ply on ply and has (n×m) array of liquid pathways positionedto run through the top and the bottom of the body; (n+m) of control barsin which (n+m) of liquid pathways are positioned with the same intervaland diameter as the corresponding liquid pathways of the bodies, beinginserted into rooms between the bodies in a linked form to give platecontrol bar; and, a power source which is connected to one end of eachof the control bars. In the matrix multiple valve system, the channelsmay be rooms which are formed between the multi-assembled bodies, andconduits may be provided on the upper part of multi-assembly of thebodies to pass liquid therethrough. The control bar of the embodimenthas the various shapes including circular, triangular, rectangular, etc.

As another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a matrixmultiple valve system, which is characterized in that: the means forcontrolling liquid pathways of the body is (n+m) of air-channels whichare connected to grooves linking two liquid pathways each other, whoseone end is connected to an operating valves controlling the entry ofair-pressure to open and close the liquid pathways of the body.

The matrix multiple valve system of the present invention is explainedin more detail with references on the accompanying drawings, whichshould not be taken to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of (10×10) orthogonal matrix multiple valvesystem, which is one of the preferred embodiments of the invention.Referring to FIG. 1, the matrix multiple valve system comprises a bodyin which (10×10) array of liquid pathways are positioned to run throughthe top and the bottom of the body; (10+10) of control bars in which(10×10) array of liquid pathways are positioned with the same intervaland diameter as the corresponding liquid pathways of the body, beinginserted into the sides along X- and Y-axes of the body; a power sourcewhich is connected to one end of each of the control bars; and, channelsinto which the control bars are inserted. In the body(1), there areprovided 10 rows of liquid pathways(2) along the X-axis and 10 rows ofliquid pathways(2) along the Y-axis to run through the top and thebottom of the body, and packings(6) to prevent the leakage of the liquidare equipped around the liquid pathways (see: partial enlarged view). Inthe matrix multiple valve system, the control bars(4) may be of variousshapes such as circular, triangular, rectangular, etc, though it ispreferable to have small diameter so as to minimize the friction appliedto each control bar, the leakage of liquid and the amount of liquid leftin the liquid pathway. And, perpendicular to the liquid pathways(2), 10holes(3) exist as the channels for the control bars(4) on both sides ofthe X- and Y-axes of the body(1). The holes(3) are provided on bothsides of the X- and Y-axes in a perpendicular position. Meanwhile, thepower source for the control bars may be air pressure, liquid pressure,electromagnetic force, etc, though the air pressure or liquid pressurewhich provides stronger driving force is more preferable, to control theopening and closing of the liquid pathways in an accurate and rapidmanner.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are X- and Y-axes section views of the (10×10)orthogonal matrix multiple valve system of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2A and 2B showthe matrix multiple valve system in a closed state, where the liquidpathways(2) running through the top and bottom of the body(1) are notaligned with the liquid pathways(2) on the control bars(4) positioned inthe holes(3). FIGS. 2C and 2D show the matrix multiple valve system inan open state, where the liquid pathways(2) running through the top andbottom of the body(1) and the liquid pathways(2) on the control bar(4)positioned in the holes(3) are all in alignment with each other.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of (16×16) orthogonal matrix multiple valvesystem in a multi-assembled structure, which is the other preferredembodiment of the invention. Unlike the (10×10) matrix multiple valvesystem of FIG. 1, there is provided a multi-assemblyof 4 pieces ofbodies(21), where (16×16) array of the liquid pathways(22) arepositioned to run through the top and the bottom of the bodies(21) andpackings(26) to prevent the leakage of the liquid are equipped aroundthe liquid pathways of the upper body(see: partial enlarged view). And,the (16×16) orthogonal matrix multiple valve system may furthercomprises conduits(not shown) to transfer liquid through the liquidpathways(22), which are connected to the upper part of the bodies.Referring to FIG. 3, one upper body remained is equipped withpackings(26) to connect the upper body with the conduits (not shown),and three lower bodies are assembled ply on ply to give rooms for each 8control bars(24) along the 4 sides of the body as a channel. The roomsprovide channels for a total of 32 control bars, where each of the 8control bars(24) is linked with each other to form a ‘plate-control’bar. To each of the plate-control bars is preferably connected adouble-acting air-pressure cylinder(25) to control its positioning.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a top plan view, an A—A and B—B axes sectionalviews of (4×4) orthogonal matrix multiple valve system, which is anotherpreferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the(4×4) orthogonal matrix multiple valve system is fabricated by acombination of the upper and the lower halves, each of which comprisesfour matrix-type bodies, i.e., the first (41 a), the second(41 b), thethird(41 c) and the fourth(41 d) bodies, which are aligned in asymmetrical position on the basis of a central body(41 e). Each of thebodies has its characteristic (4×4) array of liquid pathways along theX- andY-axes, except for the first body(41 a) whose center part isvirtually eliminated to remain its boundary part so that the liquid canpass through several liquid pathways in the second body(41 b)simultaneously. In the third body(41 c), there are provided U-curveseach of which is formed by 3 liquid pathways in a plane, where two ofthe liquid pathway are linked by a groove(47) covered with an elasticthin-membrane(not shown) that can control the flow of liquid. In thefourth body(41 d), (2+2) of air channels(44) are provided on one surfaceof the body in an reciprocal and intersecting manner, and on the othersurface, the grooves(47) covered with an elastic thin-membrane(notshown) are provided, which eventually connects two neighboring liquidpathways in the third body(41 c). Between the groove(47) and the airchannel(44) is provided a small pipe(48) with a 0.5 mm diameter, and itssurface is also covered with an elastic thin-membrane(not shown). At theend of each air channel(44), an operating valve(45), preferably,solenoid valve, which controls the entry of air through the airchannel(44) is connected, and the elastic thin-membrane covering thegrooves(47) makes it possible the opening and closing of the liquidpathways by using an air-pressure out of the air channel(44).

On the lower half of the bodies, the same structures as explained in theabove are provided in the opposite direction on the basis of the centralbody(41 e) so that the two structures of bodies except for the first one(41 a), liquid pathways(42), grooves(47), pipes(48), air channels(44)and operating valves(45) on the upper and the lower bodies are alignedin a symmetrical manner. In the center of the upper part of the bodies,a liquid-infusion equipment(49) to pass desired liquid into the bodiesmay be provided in a separate or combined manner, and at the ends of theliquid pathways, long tubes(50) may be connected to exit liquid.

In the matrix multiple valve system explained as above, the liquidpathways are opened to pass liquid therethrough, in case the liquidpathways on the bodies are aligned with one another to reach ‘AND’ statelogically, that is, the liquid pathways on the upper and the lowerhalves of the bodies are opened simultaneously by applying theair-pressure provided by the air channels connected to grooves linkingtwo neighboring liquid pathways.

The mode of action and effects of the matrix multiple valve system ofthe present invention is described in more detail with references on theaccompanying drawings.

Opening and closing of all of liquid pathways in the matrix multiplevalve system are controlled in a serial manner, as follows:

First, n number of control bars(4, 24) along the X-axis side of a bodyare put in a closed position, while turning m number of control bars(4,24) along the Y-axis side to put in an open position by aligning withthe liquid pathways of the body. Next, the control bars(4, 24)corresponding to the first row of liquid pathway along the X-axis isturned to put in an open position. And then, after letting some liquidpass through, the liquid pathways(2, 22) are closed by putting the saidcontrol bar back in a closed state. Likewise, by controlling eachcontrol bars(4, 24) along the X- and Y-axes, the desired liquidpathways(2, 22) can be opened or closed to pass liquid therethrough.Meanwhile, the opening or closing of only one liquid pathway out of the(n×m) liquid pathways can be achieved by putting the appropriate row andcolumn of the control bars in an open state, regardless of the order ofthe procedure.

In the matrix multiple valve system shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, if liquidis injected out of the liquid infusion equipment(49), liquid flows intothe liquid pathways(42). Since the liquid pathways(42) are shaped asU-curve, the pressure must be applied so that the liquid cancontinuously flow into the liquid pathways(42). The closing of theliquid pathway(42) is achieved by applying air pressure through the airchannels(44) on the upper or the lower half of the bodies: that is, ifthe air pressure through the air channels(44) is higher than that of theliquid in the liquid pathway(42), the air will travel into grooves(47)through pipe(48), which, in turn, pushes elastic thin-membrane(notshown) covering the grooves(47) to close the liquid pathways(42) whichare connected with the grooves(47) horizontally. The air pressurethrough the air channel(44) can be controlled by the operating valve. Inthe closed state, all air channels(44) are under a given level of airpressure, and thus all liquid pathways(42) are closed off. Then thedesired liquid pathway(42) can be opened by controlling the air pressureusing the air channel along the appropriate X- and Y-axes. In thepreferred embodiment, stainless steel or Teflon conferring the tightnesswhen joint the bodies with the screw, may be used as a material forbodies.

As clearly explained as above, the present invention provides a matrixmultiple valve system in which opening and closing of (n×m) array ofliquid pathways can be controlled through (n+m) of operating valvesalong the X- and Y-axes. In accordance with the matrix multiple valvesystem of the invention, the desired amount of liquid can be dispensedthrough the desired liquid pathway. Furthermore, many differentsolutions can be dispensed in a desired amount, by modifying the matrixmultiple valve system. Accordingly, the present invention can bepractically applied in the chemical synthesis of various compounds.

While the present invention has been shown and describe with referenceto the particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that many changes and modifications in size, shape andmaterials, as well as in the details of illustrated structuralintegration, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims. Particularly, any apparatus ormethod in which, by aligning (n×m) array of liquid pathways on a bodywith the liquid pathways on the moving control bars, or controlling airpressure using the operating valve to connect the liquid pathways on thematrix-type body throughout the various modifications of the presentinvention, (n×m) of liquid pathways can be controlled using only (n+m)of operating valves in the manner that the liquid pathways are opened topass liquid therethrough, in case the liquid pathways on the body andthe channels are aligned with each other to reach ‘AND’ state logically,should be included in the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A matrix multiple valve system in which openingand closing of (n×m) array, n and m along X- and Y-axes, respectively,of liquid pathways can be controlled through (n+m) of operatingvalves-along the X- and Y-axes, which comprises: a body in which (n×m)array of liquid pathways are positioned to run through the top and thebottom of the body; means for controlling liquid pathways of the body;channels in which the means for controlling liquid pathways of the bodyis positioned; and, a power source which is connected to the means forcontrolling liquid pathways of the body, whereby the liquid pathways areopened to pass liquid therethrough, in case the liquid pathways on thebody and the channels are aligned with each other to reach ‘AND’ statelogically.
 2. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 1, wherein themeans for controlling liquid pathways of the body is (n+m) of controlbars in which (n+m) of liquid pathways are positioned with the sameinterval and diameter as the corresponding liquid pathways of the body,being inserted into the channels on the sides of X- and Y-axes of thebody.
 3. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 2, wherein thechannels are holes which are provided on the sides of X- and Y-axes ofthe body in a perpendicular position to the liquid pathways.
 4. Thematrix multiple valve system of claim 1, wherein the body ismultiple-assembled ply on ply and has (n×m) array of liquid pathwayspositioned to run through the top and the bottom of the bodies, and themeans for controlling liquid pathways of the bodies is (n+m) of controlbars in which (n+m) of liquid pathways positioned with the same intervaland diameter as the corresponding liquid pathways of the bodies, beinginserted into the channels in a linked form.
 5. The matrix multiplevalve system of claim 4, wherein the channels are rooms between themulti-assembled bodies.
 6. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 4,which further comprises conduits provided on the upper part of themulti-assembled bodies to pass liquid therethrough.
 7. The matrixmultiple valve system of claim 2, which further comprises a packingequipped around the liquid pathways to prevent the leakage of theliquid.
 8. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 2, wherein theshape of the control bar is circular, triangular, or rectangular.
 9. Thematrix multiple valve system of claim 1, wherein the body ismultiple-assembled ply on ply and has (n×m) array of liquid pathwayspositioned to run through the top and the bottom of the bodies, and themeans for controlling liquid pathways of the bodies is (n+m) ofair-channels which are connected to grooves linking two neighboringliquid pathways each other, whose one end is connected to an operatingvalve controlling the entry of air-pressure to open and close the liquidpathways of the bodies.
 10. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 9,wherein two sets of the multi-assembled bodies are combined in asymmetrical manner on the basis of a central body.
 11. The matrixmultiple valve system of claim 9, wherein the operating valve is asolenoid valve.
 12. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 9, whichfurther comprises a liquid-infusion equipment provided in the center ofthe upper part of the bodies in a separate or combined manner.
 13. Thematrix multiple valve system of claim 9, which further comprises tubesfor the exit of liquid, being connected to the end of the liquidpathways.
 14. The matrix multiple valve system of claim 1, wherein thepower source is air pressure, liquid pressure, or electromagnetic force.